Back in 2009, WWE Magazine published a feature boldly titled “Tomorrow’s Champions”, highlighting 10 rising stars they believed would carry the company into a new era. Some of these Superstars were already gaining TV exposure, while others were bubbling under the surface, seen internally as the next big thing.

It was a mix of exciting in-ring performers, second-generation wrestlers, and fan-favourites beginning to catch fire. As with any list of predictions, some followed through on their potential, and others fizzled out or took unexpected turns.

Now, over 15 years later, we revisit those names to see how their careers actually unfolded. Some became household names and went on to win major titles. Others took different paths, found success outside WWE, or stepped away from wrestling altogether.

Dolph Ziggler

Dolph Ziggler was the definition of potential in 2009. With his athleticism, sharp charisma, and ability to deliver great matches, he looked like a future WWE Champion in waiting. He did achieve that feat in 2013, cashing in Money in the Bank to a huge reaction and briefly holding the World Heavyweight Championship. However, sustained main event pushes never truly materialised.

Ziggler remained a fixture in WWE for nearly two decades before being released in 2023. Now performing as Nic Nemeth (his real name), he has found renewed success on the independent scene and in companies like TNA Wrestling and NJPW. Still active and respected, his post-WWE career has been a creative and professional resurgence.

Tyson Kidd

A graduate of the legendary Hart Dungeon, Tyson Kidd had the pedigree and technical skill to be something special. In 2009, he was part of The Hart Dynasty, alongside Natalya and David Hart Smith, and was expected to climb the ranks. Despite flashes of brilliance, he never won a world title.

His in-ring career was cut short in 2015 following a near-fatal neck injury in a match with Samoa Joe. The injury was so severe, the procedure to fuse part of his neck vertebrae at the base of his brain carried only a 5% success rate at the time. But he overcame the survival odds and made a full recovery in terms of his quality of life.

Since then, Kidd has transitioned into a well-regarded backstage producer in WWE. He has been particularly influential in shaping the women’s division’s in-ring style. Although his wrestling career ended far too early, his impact behind the scenes continues to grow.

John Morrison

John Morrison was one of the most athletically gifted stars on the WWE roster in 2009. Known for his parkour-inspired offence and unique style, he was breaking away from the tag team ranks into a singles push. While he never captured a world championship in WWE, Morrison made waves elsewhere, including a reign as Impact World Champion under the name Johnny Impact.

He returned to WWE in 2020, reuniting with The Miz, but was released again in 2021 after a lengthy losing streak. Since then, he has wrestled internationally under a range of aliases, including Johnny Elite and Johnny Caballero and remains active today in AEW as Johnny TV.

Jack Swagger

With an All-American wrestling background, Jack Swagger looked every bit a future world champion in 2009. His attire and technical credentials drew comparisons to Kurt Angle, and his size and power had many likening him to a young Brock Lesnar, both of whom were also decorated amateur wrestlers. He did go on to win his first of two World Heavyweight Championships in 2010, after a successful Money in the Bank cash-in, but his run was short-lived, and he never fully solidified his main event status.

Swagger left WWE in 2017 and reinvented himself as Jake Hager (taken from his full name, Donald Jacob Hager Jr) in AEW, aligning with Chris Jericho’s Inner Circle. Alongside wrestling, he also competed in MMA for Bellator, going undefeated with a record of 3-0 and one no-contest. He quietly stepped away from AEW in 2024, and is reportedly focusing on other ventures, bringing a close to his unique dual-sport career.

Kofi Kingston

Kofi Kingston was a star on the rise in 2009. With his high-flying style and magnetic energy, he was already capturing the attention of fans and climbing the WWE ladder. Over the years, he became a multi-time Intercontinental, United States, and Tag Team Champion. His crowning achievement came at WrestleMania 35 in 2019, when he defeated Daniel Bryan to win the WWE Championship in what became known as KofiMania.

His time in WWE came to a rather abrupt and shocking end earlier this year, when he was released alongside his New Day partner, Xavier Woods.

Ted DiBiase Jr

As the son of the “Million Dollar Man,” Ted DiBiase Jr entered WWE with high expectations. He was part of The Legacy faction alongside Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton and appeared set for a major singles push. However, his momentum faded, and he left WWE in 2013 to pursue other interests.

DiBiase went on to focus on religious and charitable work, founding the Heart of David Ministry. Unfortunately, his post-wrestling life has been overshadowed by controversy. He was arrested and charged in connection with a major welfare fraud case in Mississippi, involving the alleged misuse of millions in government funds.

The Miz

In 2009, few believed The Miz would ever reach the top of WWE. A former reality TV contestant, he was underestimated from the start. Yet, over the years, he evolved into one of WWE’s most reliable performers. He became WWE Champion in 2010 and headlined WrestleMania 27, defeating John Cena. He has since achieved two Grand Slam Champion accolades and has remained a mainstay on WWE television.

Known for his consistency, mic work, and media crossover appeal, The Miz continues to be a valuable asset to WWE. Outside the ring, he is married to former WWE Superstar Maryse, who has taken time away from competition to focus on raising their two daughters. The Miz continues to balance wrestling with his growing media profile and was recently announced as the host of the revived American Gladiators, further cementing his status as a crossover star and valuable asset to WWE.

Evan Bourne

Evan Bourne, known for his breathtaking Air Bourne Shooting Star Press, was a thrilling talent in 2009. He captured the imagination of fans with his explosive style, but injuries and suspensions due to violations of WWE’s wellness policy stalled his momentum.

WWE released him in 2014, and he returned to the ring as Matt Sydal. Since then, Sydal has been in promotions like Ring of Honor, NJPW, Impact Wrestling, and AEW. Though he never reached world title level, he remains active and respected, admired for his longevity despite some terrible injuries, and his influence on the high-flying wrestling style that has become more mainstream today.

David Hart Smith

The son of the British Bulldog, David Hart Smith looked like a surefire future champion in 2009. As part of The Hart Dynasty, he held the WWE Tag Team Titles and seemed set for singles success. However, he left WWE in 2011 and reinvented himself as Davey Boy Smith Jr. overseas. He found success in NJPW and MLW, showcasing his power and technical style.

He returned briefly to WWE in 2021, but was released before appearing on television after COVID-19 led to WWE scrapping his return plans. Today, he continues to wrestle internationally and uphold the Hart family legacy and has been vocal about a potential return to WWE.

Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes was never the obvious standout back in 2009. As part of The Legacy alongside Randy Orton and Ted DiBiase Jr, he was often seen as the supporting act rather than the future headliner. But his journey has become the most remarkable of them all.

After a stop-start run in WWE that included a frustrating stint as Stardust, Cody left the company in 2016 and began to rebuild his career from the ground up. He reinvented himself on the independent scene as The American Nightmare, a deliberate contrast to his late father, Dusty Rhodes, the beloved American Dream. His rise outside WWE helped spark a wrestling revolution, culminating in the launch of All Elite Wrestling in 2019, where he served as both a founder and one of its top stars.

Then came his seismic return to WWE in 2022, which the company itself ranked as the greatest comeback in WrestleMania history. After two consecutive WrestleMania main events, Cody finally finished his story at WrestleMania 40, defeating Roman Reigns to become the Undisputed WWE Champion. Today, he stands not only as the face of the company, but also as one of the most universally admired and popular figures in modern wrestling, a redemption arc in the truest sense, fulfilled in front of the WWE Universe.